(UNDATED) - Significant changes are on the way for more than 5,000 child care providers in Indiana.

The Family and Social Services Administration Bureau of Child Care has started notifying day cares of the new requirements, which go into effect July 1st. The agency is sending emails to providers, and will send out informational packets during the month of June.

Under the new guidelines, all regulated child care providers must comply with national criminal background checks for employees and staff. The changes are a result of newly passed legislation and will affect licensed centers, licensed homes, unlicensed registered ministries and unlicensed homes and unlicensed centers that are accepting CCDF funds, or federal vouchers.

Also, starting July 1st, child care providers who accept taxpayer-funded vouchers will have to meet health and safety standards such as keeping medicines out of reach, hand washing, requiring supervisors be at least 18 years of age and safe sleeping practices for infants.